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There's no end to the things you might know, depending how far beyond Zebra you go! {Dr. Seuss}

Friday, September 3, 2010

55 for Friday: My Reading Habits Revealed!

It’s Labor Day weekend and some of you are going on vacation or having a well-deserved staycation. Since many of you won’t even be around, I thought it’d be okay to do something different today. So if you missed my Friday post because you got sunscreen in your eyes, well, you didn’t really miss much! I grabbed these questions from Michelle Teacress on Aug. 19. Feel free to grab these questions for yourself and let us know a little about your own reading habits! Here are mine: (Warning: I’m completely a little neurotic about my books. I promise I’m not that much of at all a crazy nut in other areas of life. Except about cleanliness, organization, and hygiene. And chocolate. I may get a little crazed when I go a couple days without it. Other than that, I promise I’m totally normal!) ;)

3. What books do you have on request at the library? Dear Big Sister, We haven’t been to the library since you just had to go and have another baby and be all, like, SuperMom to her and her brother. What’s up with that? They’ve received enough of your attention. It’s my turn for a couple hours. I love your kids to pieces, but, you know, library books won’t drool or fart on you. We should really go to the library soon, K? Love, Little Sister

4. Bad book habit: None. I treasure books and try really hard to keep the covers and pages looking as neat as the day I bought them. I’m a re-reader, though, so of course that doesn’t happen. Yellowed pages and crinkled spines is charming–I like books that look well-loved and treasured. But torn pages and covers, water damage, and gross food stains horrify me. It’s just so mean! And it ruins a book’s charm.

5. What do you currently have checked out from the library? See question 3.

6. Do you have an eReader? Nope. I don’t want one. The only way I’d get one is if I suddenly started traveling a lot. But I don’t see that happening, so no eReader for me. (See Kathi Oram Peterson's blog for a chance to win your own Kindle!)

7. Do you prefer to read one book at a time, or several at once? Usually one book at a time, but I can read several at once if they’re in different genres or one is short stories and one is a novel, etc.

8. Have your reading habits changed since starting a blog? In the beginning I went through a rough spot where I read more blogs than books. But I sorted that out and I have a good balance now!

9. Least favorite book you read this year: So far I like everything I read this year.

10. Favorite book you’ve read this year: The year isn’t over yet, so I exempt myself from answering this question!

11. What is your reading comfort zone? Fiction

12. How often do you read out of your comfort zone: I read poetry, but I usually only read nonfiction or memoirs when someone recommends something or it’s received a lot of hype.

13. Can you read on the bus? Sadly, no. It makes me nauseous. On family vacations I was always super envious of my siblings’ ability to read during the long car rides.

14. Favorite place to read: The couch and big comfy chair in the living room.

15. What is your policy on book lending? Insurance. You borrow my book, and you give me your driver’s license. When I get my book back, you get your license back. Okay, not really. (But I’m thinking about it!) It really depends who’s asking. My family knows how selfish protective I am with my books, and they know to be super careful or risk estrangement. ;)

16. Do you ever dog-ear books? Absolutely not! *shudders* That’s what bookmarks are for! I have lots of fun bookmarks.

17. Do you ever write in the margins of your books? Nope. I even had a hard time doing that in college in a boring book I was just going to sell back to them, haha. I do use a highlighter in my books on writing, though. That was hard at first, but I’ve gotten over it!

18. Not even with text books? See question 17.

19. What is your favorite language to read in? You know, this is a tough question. Wow, I just can’t choose. Since we don’t have all day, I guess I’d have to say English.

20. What makes you love a book? Dynamic characters, lyrical language, an exciting, moving plot...lots of different things.

21. What will inspire you to recommend a book? See question 20.

22. Favorite genre: It depends on my mood.

23. Genre you rarely read but wish you did: I read all genres except horror, and I have NO desire to start.

27. Most inspirational book you’ve read this year:Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert

28. Favorite reading snack: Okay, invisible interviewer, you should know by now I don’t snack while I read. I wouldn’t want to risk getting stains on the pages, duh!

29. Name a case in which hype ruined your reading experience:The Twilight series by Stephenie Meyer. It’s a good story and I understand its appeal to teenagers, but I kind of wish I’d gotten the books from the library instead of buying them.

30. How often do you agree with critics about a book? I try not to read reviews because I don’t want it influencing the book for me. I pick what I like or what someone recommends to me.

31. How do you feel about giving bad/negative reviews? I do for classics because no matter what I say about them, a classic will always be a classic. But I wouldn’t be cruel or rude. No one deserves that. Afterall, what goes around comes around!

32. If you could fluently read in a foreign language, which language would you chose? Spanish, Italian, or Chinese. Ever see a Chinese newspaper? I like how the writing goes up and down and right and left and all over the place. I’d be cool to be able to read that! The Chinese characters are beautiful, too.

33. Most intimidating book you’ve ever read: I don’t think a book has ever intimidated me. But maybe I can change this answer if I ever get brave enough to read the answer to the next question.

34. Most intimidating book you’re too nervous to begin:The Shining by Stephen King. Actually, so far I’ve avoided all his horror novels. I’m a wimp!

36. How many books do you usually have checked out of the library at any given time? Four to Eight

37. How often have you returned books to the library unread? I’m pretty sure I’ve always read the books I check out.

38. Favorite fictional character? Anne Shirley and Princess Cimorene

39. Favorite fictional villain: Oooo, this is tough. The Grand High Witch, Miss Trunchbull, Flagg, and Dolores Umbridge. I hated them so much which means they were fantastically written! I think Flagg and Umbridge are my favorite ones to hate!

40. Books I’m most likely to bring on vacation: Something light and fun and one where I won’t freak out (much) if I get sand or sunscreen on it.

41. The longest you've gone without reading: I usually bring a book everywhere I go. But I don’t think I read my book at all on my wedding day or the day before and after. So I guess three days.

42. Name a book that you could/would not finish: It’s rare that I don’t finish a book when I start it, so I can’t really remember.

43. What distracts you easily when you’re reading? Not much. I suppose a chocolate cake would!

45. Most disappointing film adaptation: All the Harry Potter movies, though each movie seems to get a little better than the one before it. Eragon was a bummer, too. That’s a great book but a lousy movie.

46. The most money I’ve ever spent in the bookstore at one time: I don’t know. A lot!!!

47. How often do you skim a book before reading it? Never because I want to be surprised!

48. What would cause you to stop reading a book half-way through? The smell of chocolate chip cookies baking. Oh, you mean and not pick it up again? Well, if I made it halfway through then I’m already invested in the story, so probably nothing.

49. Do you like to keep your books organized? What do you think? YES! I have a system. And, no, it’s not alphabetized! I’m not that nutty. (Though my clothes closet is organized by type and color…) But I know exactly where the book I want is and where to put new books on it. :)

50. Do you prefer to keep books or give them away once you’ve read them? Keep them! I’m not someone who hoards everything I’ve ever been given or bought–except books. I can give away almost anything, but not books! Even if I don’t particularly like it, it’s hard for me to give up a book.

51. Are there any books you’ve been avoiding? A few classics I blogged about that I don’t care for and I said I’d re-read them and see if my feelings have changed. Well, I’m avoiding it.

52. Name a book that made you angry. Though it’s my favorite in the series, Harry Potter and The Order of the Phoenix. Chapter 35. And pretty much any time Umbridge entered the scene. Such an amazing book, though!

53. A book you didn’t expect to like but did:The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory. I don’t like how she portrays Anne Boleyn, but it’s still a pretty good novel.

54. A book that you expected to like but didn’t? There have been several over the years.

55. Favorite guilt-free, pleasure reading: The Calvin and Hobbes comics by Bill Watterson. So funny! I’ve read them many times, but those two always make me laugh out loud!

Have a happy and safe Labor Day weekend, zigzaggers!!!

What are you reading right now? If you’re going away this weekend, what book(s) are you bringing with you? What’s your favorite guilt-free, pleasure reading?

Wow, I feel like an oxymoron, a writer who doesn't read much. While I like books, I prefer writing them to reading them. lol

Haha and I love how you take care of your books! You're so careful. My books are kinda beaten up and very dusty. haha. And I don't know how you read so many books, keep up a blog, and write, plus have a life outside of the literary world! I know I'm wiped after a day at school or work and my mind won't function properly. You amaze me :) in a very good way!

And I have a game for you! Read the directions from Serena's blog on how to play http://blackrosesee.blogspot.com/p/location-location-location.htmlIt's called Location, location, location. Anyway here's the location! Middletown, DE Can't wait to see what you come up with!!!!

WOW what a thorough post! Right now I'm finishing about three different books my fav being Eat the Cookie Buy the SHoe a self help book. My Fair Lazy is coming in second. ;) And no e-reader? I must convert you!

My saddest thing is that I can't read in a car or on a bus, or on a boat... It sucks.Also, I LOVE LOVE LOVE my e-reader. I can see a book I want, order it right there and start reading in a few minutes. But the closest bookstore to me is ten miles and it sucks, the next closest is 50. That might make a wee bit of difference.

Saumya- You're not reading anything right now? I can recommend something good for you if you tell me what you like to read! Or you should check out Goodreads.com! :)

L.Diane- LOL, yup, that's how I feel too!

Zoe- Hahaha, yea those were the earlier books. The illustrations got a lot better in the later books!

T.J.- Well, I have no kids (except my husband, haha!) and I'm unemployed. So that's how I do it all! Honestly, you want to be amazed by someone who does it all, check out Jody Hedlund's blog (she's a writer who homeschools her 5 kids) and Elizabeth S. Craig, another one who does it all. Those are only two of many! So many bloggers have super powers, I'm pretty sure!

T.Anne- Lol, you can try, but it'd be waste of precious time you need for more important things like writing!

Elizabeth- Thanks! I love the Berenstain Bears! I liked the books for younger readers best, but the chapter books I read in 1st grade were good, too.

Raquel- I know, just thinking about her makes me angry! I'm always amazed by a writer who can make me feel such intensity about a character.

Clarissa- Yes, do it!!! I saw these questions on a couple other blogs and I love everyone's answers!

Captain Bruce- That's quite a name you have there! Hello and welcome to Wavy Lines! I also read Things Fall Apart in college. I was an English/Writing major, but I think I read that for a history class. I haven't read the other two yet. I hope you're enjoying the books! Thanks for stopping by and commenting and I appreciate the follow!

Michelle- You're welcome! These were fun questions. I enjoyed reading yours and other people's around the blogosphere! I actually really want one of Kathi's weekly prizes! Those chocolates are calling my name!!!

Haha, thanks for the welcome- I changed my name yet again. This is who used to be "Captain Bruce" by the way.

Yeah, I'm only a sophmore in high school but I'm in English Honours so we read advanced books and stuff.

I highly recommend anything by Lynsay Sands- she's a hilarious writer and I really enjoy her books. I don't know if you've heard of the series but she is the author who wrote the Argeneau series- it's a much better vampire series than Twilight, I can assure you.

You're welcome for the follow and I'm looking forward to more posts! :)

Jemi- Thanks for the heads up! I can't see myself ever reading it. Only if I had to in a life or death situation or something, haha!

Lola- That's great! I haven't heard of that story. I'm not that much into vampires, so I've only read the ones that get a lot of hype which makes me curious to know what the buzz is all about. I'll have to check it out! Thanks for stopping by again!

Medeia- I know, it's awful! I just don't know how people can treat their wonderful books that way.

Talli- Please do!!! That's so awesome you're going to PEI. I can't wait to see the pics! I'm enjoying MacLeod's stories very much. Such beautiful writing! I'm planning on reading his novel, too.

Hannah- I read anything and everything-except horror. I'm a wimp, that's why! I can't even watch previews for horror movies. I cover my eyes and ears, ha! I've always had a vivid, runaway imagination, and horror has never been good for me. Heck, when I was little, Ursula from The Little Mermaid and the Wicked Witch from The Wizard of Oz terrified me. I had all the Oz dolls, but I refused to keep the witch in my room at night. I'd play with her in daytime, but I thought she'd come alive at night. I'm over that now, though, LOL!!! So anyway, I can't read horror. I wish I could read the good ones everyone talks about, like Stephen King's. Maybe when I'm old I'll grow out of it? If I'm tired of living I can just read horror to scare myself to death, haha!